Formaldehyde in Floors: Significance, Allowed Limits and Risks

In choosing the right wood floors, do you just sift through the species, stains, finish, prices or dig deeper than that? As a homeowner or even business owner, what else shouldn’t be overlooked? Safety. Indeed, safety should be on top of the list more than the rest of the factors. Let’s discuss about the trending issue on formaldehyde in floors. For the past few months, the wood flooring industry has been shaken by the fact that other US manufacturing firm has been selling laminate floors that have an alarming content of formaldehyde. Some Americans may end up thinking to stay away from wood floors at all. Shouldn’t you be learning what this formaldehyde about that is feared by many? Here are important facts that you should know before getting your desired wood floors installed:

Significance of Formaldehyde in Floors and Other Products

Before jumping to conclusion that formaldehyde shouldn’t be in wood floors, understand that it is a fundamental  industrial chemical to produce other chemicals and various products like home furnishings, paints, textiles, household cleaning products, landscape and yard products, medicinal and personal care products and pesticides. It is naturally present almost anywhere, including wood, and is used in the adhesives for engineered and laminate wood floors.

Allowed Limits of Formaldehyde in Floors

There are factors that affect the measurement of formaldehyde levels in indoor space. These are formaldehyde source, temperature, humidity, air exchange rate and ambient indoor ozone concentration. California Air Regulatory Board (CARB), during the phase 1 of implementation of this regulation, it required adhesive formaldehyde emissions to be equal to or less than 0.08 ppm (parts per million). The second phase, which was implemented in January 1, 2010 even lowered the adhesive formaldehyde emissions to 0.05 ppm. Achieving a CARB 2 certification means strict compliance to rigorous federal standard in order to secure the safety of the people.

The Risk of Formaldehyde in Floors

Why should people be concerned with formaldehyde? Since it is a volatile compound and reactive at room temperature, prolong exposure to it can cause serious health effects. Unfortunately, increase in temperature and humidity can worsen the formaldehyde emission.  Indoor exposure can affect the eye, nose, and throat, and can even cause skin irritation, coughing, wheezing and allergic reactions according to US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Worst, people who have been exposed to formaldehyde for long period of time has a high risk of developing cancer based on studies or may suffer any lung-related disease. The body’s reaction to formaldehyde may vary from one person to another. Others may be sensitive upon inhaling the chemical, while others may feel nothing.

With what you’ve learned now, what should be done? Trust only an EPA certified wood flooring firms in New York City and New Jersey, such Wood Floor Planet. They only sell world-class brands that comply with CARB 2 and indoor air quality regulations. Feel safe and be safe with products distributed by Wood Floor Planet.